Vertebral Fractures: New Chiropractic Test

Effective and efficient chiropractors ask the right questions; allowing them to perform the most sensitive orthopedic testing to identify damaged tissue. A recent article by Jin et al. (2020) identified a new orthopedic test to do just that. The Back Pain-Inducing Test (BPIT) recognizes symptomatic vertebral fractures (VF) with high sensitivity (99.1%) and specificity (67.9%). This isolated paper also reports good accuracy (89.0%), positive predictive value (86.6%), and negative predictive value (97.4%).*

This blog will review exactly how to perform this and other useful tests for identifying vertebral fractures.

“Approximately 80% of patients experience at least one unnoticed osteoporotic fracture before being eventually diagnosed. Only 1/3 of patients with VFs seek medical attention due to back pain, while the rate of misdiagnosis is up to 40% at the point of care.” (1)

Physical Evaluation of Vertebral Fractures

In seniors, an increased thoracic kyphosis or loss of lumbar lordosis should raise suspicion for VF. Multiple VF’s can lead to a noticeable overall loss of height. There is a high incidence of compression fractures in elderly patients whose fingertips extend to the lower thigh when standing.

Orthopedic Evaluation of Vertebral Fractures

Let’s review out top four orthopedic tests for identifying VF’s:

1. The Back Pain-Inducing Test (BPIT)

Patients completed three consecutive movements (without any help) in the following order.

First, sitting on the table with legs dangling off the edge of the table, and then lying down in the supine position (lying supine);

Second, changing from the supine position to the left or right decubitus position with legs flexed, and then back to the supine position (rolling over);

Third, changing from the supine position to a sitting posture with the legs still on the bed (sitting up).

Back pain induced by any of these movements was documented using a patient-reported numerical rating scale (NRS). The following BPIT results were defined as positive:

Patients reporting back pain occurring during any movement or

Patients not being able to perform any of the three movements due to back pain.

Otherwise, the test results were deemed negative. (1)

2. Supine Sign

The inability to lie supine on an exam table with only one pillow supporting the head has a relatively high sensitivity (81%) and specificity (93%) for vertebral compression fracture.

3. Seated Closed Fist Percussion

Percussion of the spine has a sensitivity and specificity near 90% for vertebral compression fracture. Acute or “active” VF will likely limit the spinal range of motion.

4. Heel Drop Test

The Heel Drop Test may increase pain originating from VF. The presence of radicular complaints or neurological findings mandates further workup to evaluate the stability of the injury.

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) are twice as common as hip fractures.

Taking a step back from vertebral fractures, I wanted to address our situation at hand. COVID-19 has flipped practice “normality” on its head. But I want you to know you are not alone. Our team at ChiroUp has worked hard to provide resources, webinars, & blogs to help our profession emerge from this time stronger than ever.

Check out this 1-minute message from Dr. Bertelsman about why ChiroUp should be an essential part of your post-pandemic growth plan.

*These numbers are derived from one isolated paper. There has not been extensive research on this test, and the authors use a population susceptible to vertebral fractures as listed in their inclusion criteria.

All aforementioned statements are referenced within the ChiroUp condition reference.

About the Author

Dr. Brandon Steele

DC, DACO

Dr. Steele is currently in private practice at Premier Rehab in the greater St. Louis area. He began his career with a post-graduate residency at The Central Institute for Human Performance. During this unique opportunity, he was able to create and implement rehabilitation programs for members of the St. Louis Cardinals, Rams, and Blues. Dr. Steele currently lectures extensively on evidence-based treatment of musculoskeletal disorders for the University of Bridgeport’s diplomate in orthopedics program. He serves on the executive board of the Illinois Chiropractic Society. He is a Diplomate and Fellow of the Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists (FACO). His mission in practice is to get people in and out of pain as fast as possible; then give each patient the education and rehabilitation to never see them again. Dr. Steele is also the co-founder of ChiroUp.com, a resource used around the world by practicing chiropractors and colleges.